1. Matthew Mullenweg – estimated wort: $250 million
After dropping out of college, Mullenweg invented Automattic, the brains behind web software such as WordPress, Akismet, Gravatar, VaultPress, IntensePoll Debate, etc. There is no doubt the system is effective for entrepreneurs, mommy blogs, and Grove City Students- WordPress alone powers 22% of the world’s top 10 million websites, netting $160 million.
2. David Schottenstein – estimated worth: $52 million
Starting at age 12, David began innovating with his own cigar business. After being shut down (dads ruin everything) he continued looking for his passions in life while attending a private school in Venice. David noticed his fascination for men’s business ware. He opened Astor & Black, a company selling custom made bespoke clothing- only 21 at the time. Today, his suits are typically $895 and are sold all over the world to corporate executives, famous athletes, and celebrities.
3. Sean Belnick – estimated worth: $50 million
Bizchair, an office furniture manufacturing company, began in the 14 year old Sean Belnick’s bedroom. Once graduating college, Sean could take the reins as CEO to expand Bizchair into the fastest growing, privately owned company. Environmentally friendly, it is predicted Bizchair will decrease carbon monoxide emissions by 757.4 tons/year and 3.0 tons/year of sulfur dioxide emissions.
4. Catherine Cook – estimated worth: $20 million
Catherine and her brother, David, played together in their small New Jersey home by setting up pretend libraries and renting out the books to their parents for a small fee. By the time she was 15, Catherine and David had created myyearbook.com, an online, interactive yearbook for high schoolers to meet new people. By 2011 the company grew from 400 active members to 32.7 million. In 2011 Catherine and David sold the site in a merger for $150 million.
5. Susan Gregg-Koger – estimated worth: $15 million
As a freshman in college, Susan partnered with her now husband Eric to create Modcloth, an online retailer specializing in vintage-inspired and indie clothing, accessories, and decor. Seven years later, Modcloth was the fastest growing retailer in the country and employed 350 people. By 2012 the site had over $100 million in retail sales. In 2014 it was the first clothing retailer to sign an anti-Photoshop, promising to avoid using Photoshop in company advertisements.
Love this post because it is an interesting twist from the usual backgrounds of a single entrepreneur. Also, I think it’s awesome that you started with WordPress (and also ironic). They guy who started WordPress was very innovative and creative, and I didn’t know that he started so young!
Its refreshing to see a different approach then then the dozens of other blog posts. Using five different stories made the post much more readable and engaging. Its Inspiring to know that there are so many business owners that are making a name for themselves at such a young age.